The Scottish Government's Marine Directorate is responsible for the integrated management of Scotland's seas and rivers. Scotland's seas are six times the area of its land mass and therefore the role of science, evidence and data in understanding that rich environment are vital. As an Island Nation Scotland has a maritime heritage that is central to its identity as a nation. We face some significant challenges in the years and decades ahead alongside some remarkable opportunities.

Scotland plays a central role in addressing both the challenge and opportunities by developing environmental solutions to the global climate and nature crises, and its response is based on the strongest possible scientific evidence. These issues have a direct impact on the lives and wellbeing of Scotland's people and the Marine Directorate are passionate about ensuring our environment and blue economy are flourishing. Would you be interested in being part of the team as our Chief Science Adviser (CSA), Marine working on the science to both help safeguard our precious asset and help our communities thrive economically now and well into the future.

The CSA, Marine will be a dynamic, passionate, credible, influential science adviser to Scottish Government Ministers and other senior decision-making colleagues in the civil service on a wide array of policies covering climate change, biodiversity, marine renewables, marine mammals and habitat, aquaculture and offshore energy. The CSA, Marine will play a dynamic role in shaping Scotland's approach to these and other vital issues. Critical to this role is the independent challenge function you will play to Marine Scotland, and other parts of Scottish Government, ensuring that science evidence and advice is robust, relevant and high quality and that there are mechanisms in place to ensure that policy making, that has a direct impact on the lives and wellbeing of Scotland's people, is underpinned by the most robust science available. Central to this role will be the ability to communicate and transfer knowledge and help answer the 'so what?' question by translating the best possible available evidence into policy.

Candidates should bring specialist expertise in areas related to the marine environment such as oceanography, marine renewables, aquaculture, sea fisheries, freshwater fisheries, marine natural resources, climate change, eco-systems and biodiversity. They should be an outstanding scientist widely respected at a national or international level, with the ability to work across disciplines to help support policy making that brings about real-world impact.

Saxton Bampfylde Ltd is acting as an employment agency advisor to the Scottish Government on this appointment.

For further information about the role, including details about how to apply, please visit our website via the button below using reference QANAJB.

Alternatively, telephone (0) (during office hours).

Applications should be received by noon on Monday 8 January 2024.